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COVID-19 – Support for employers and businesses

In these uncertain times we’ve pulled together some links that may be useful to local employers and businesses.

If you cannot find the information you need, please contact us at info@frometowncouncil.gov.uk and we will do our best to help.

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grants

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grants (OHLG grants) are available for Hospitality, Leisure and Visitor Accommodation businesses with rated premises, with an award of either £2,667, £4,000 or £6,000 based on rateable value, subject to certain exclusions. 

Businesses that are in administration, insolvent or where a striking-off notice has been made, are not eligible for funding under this scheme. For more information visit Mendip District Council’s Business Grants page.

Support Finder

‘support finder’ tool has been developed to help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to them during the coronavirus pandemic. The finder tool on GOV.UK asks business owners to fill out a simple online questionnaire, which can take minutes to complete, and they will then be directed to a list of all the financial support they may be eligible for.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme extension

The SEISS Grant Extension provides critical support to the self-employed. The grant will be limited to self-employed individuals who are currently eligible for the SEISS and are actively continuing to trade but are facing reduced demand due to COVID-19.

The extension will provide two grants and will last for six months from November 2020 to April 2021. Grants will be paid in two lump sum instalments each covering a three-month period.

The first grant will cover 3 months’ worth of profits from the start of November until the end of January.  The grant covers 80% of 3 months average monthly trading profits paid out in a single instalment and capped at £7,500 in total. For more information, please visit Gov.uk to find out more and to register to claim for the second grant.

FREE webinars to support businesses

Somerset Chamber of Commerce are offering free webinars to support businesses with issues relating to COVID:19.  The webinars are open to non-Chamber members, so please visit the Chamber of Commerce website to register your place.

Gov.UK are holding free webinars for topics that cover supporting and retaining staff, and running a business through the coronavirus pandemic.

Business support helpline

You can find details of help and support on the dedicated Business support helpline page on the Government’s website, you can also telephone: 0800 998 1098, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm for assistance.

Heart of the South West growth hub

The Heart of the South West growth hub website is the main source for local advice and guidance. It offers businesses assistance and can sign post to additional help available. Register with the Growth Hub to receive updates alternatively, email them or phone – 03456 047 047. There is also a support phone number for anyone self-employed available at 0800 998 1098.

Tax bill advice

The HMRC COVID-19 helpline number is 0800 0159 559,  and is available to support businesses and self-employed people who are worried about paying their tax bills due to Coronavirus.

Federation of Small Businesses

Specific advice to small businesses can be found on the Federation of Small Business website.

GeekingITsimple – advice on successfully operating your business from home

This local IT support company have created a dedicated page full of useful information, training, links and downloads to help your business through the next few months. Visit the Geeking IT simple website.

Published
16 March 2020
Last Updated
7 January 2022
Published in